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Process

About FREEZE DRYING
Freeze-drying, technically known as Lyophilization, is a process of sublimation where water molecules in a solid phase are directly converted to vapor phase. Since Lyophilization is the most complex and expensive form of dehydration, its use is usually restricted to delicate and heat-sensitive high value materials.

Over the period it has gained importance as it is found to be a process that is least damaging to various product characteristics like colour, aroma, texture shape, nutritional content and size etc. It is thus particularly suitable for delicate, heat-sensitive and high value materials. Freeze-dried products once sealed to prevent the reabsorption of moisture can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration, and be protected against spoilage for many years. Freeze-dried products can be rehydrated (reconstituted) quickly and easily and become as fresh as they were when freeze dried. Since Freeze Dried products are light in weight they have an added benefit of easy handling while usage and transportation.

Process at SFL
Our experienced agriculturists and food technologists stay in close touch with our growers constantly updating them on what to do and when to do. This ensures that only the best is procured for our clients.

Raw Material is thereafter prepared for processing in accordance with good manufacturing practices and under strict sanitation and hygiene. Extra care is taken during handling, to ensure that the product is not exposed to contamination at any stage. Product is “Sorted and Washed” in exclusive area maintained for this. Cutting machines with the best technology in the world are used for getting accurate size of raw material as per customer specifications. Processes like “Blanching” are used to get desired texture and microbial limits in the final product.

Once the product is ready for freeze drying, it has to undergo freezing at sub-zero temperatures before it can move into the Freeze Dryers.
Post Freeze Drying, process like Sieving, Gravity separation, Sorting and Metal detection are carried out to ensure that the final product is free from any contamination and fully meets customer requirement.

Tests are conducted at various stages by “QA” in well-equipped in-house laboratory and only when the results meet the stringent norms each batch of production is cleared.